Bernd-Rüdiger Drews’ Whimsical Drawings Bring Joy to Altensteig Town Hall

A delightful exhibition of drawings by 80-year-old Bernd-Rüdiger Drews is currently on display at the Altensteig town hall, bringing smiles to employees and visitors alike. The collection, featuring between 70 and 80 pieces, showcases Drews’ playful depictions of mice and chickens in a variety of humorous situations.

A Three-Year Journey of Rodents and Poultry

Drews has been creating these charming illustrations for three years, inspired by a children’s book radio play he illustrated for his brother and sister-in-law. He discovered that mice, in particular, were remarkably expressive, leading him to depict them in everyday human scenarios. His function also includes chickens, stemming from a childhood poem and fond memories of his grandfather’s farm.

Themes and Inspirations

The drawings cover a wide range of themes, from seasonal celebrations like Easter and Christmas – with chickens frequently portrayed as egg producers – to clever reinterpretations of classic art. One piece playfully reimagines Wilhelm Busch’s “Max and Moritz” with mice fishing for roast duck down a chimney. Other works offer a lighthearted accept on relatable anxieties, such as a series of caricatures depicting dentist visits, and even a whimsical take on religious art, referencing the “Sistine Madonna” with a mouse as the central figure.

Local Connections and Sporting Spirit

The exhibition also celebrates the town of Altensteig itself, featuring drawings of mice rafting on the Nagold river and commemorating the friendship between Altensteig and Bourg Saint-Maurice in France. Recognizing Altensteig’s strong handball tradition, Drews has included three handball-themed drawings, imagining a mouse athlete with a distinct advantage thanks to a pair of wings.

Successful Opening and Charitable Contribution

The exhibition’s opening two weeks ago drew a large crowd, with an estimated 170 to 200 visitors in attendance. Local artist Heinrich Wille created a relief sculpture of a “torch mouse” in tribute to Drews, which was then auctioned off to benefit the Altensteig hospice group.

Visit the Exhibition

The exhibition will remain open for one more week, during the town hall’s regular opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. To 12:30 p.m., and on Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. To 6:00 p.m.